Border damages claim 'can be settled'

Bangkok Post
http://www.bangkokpost.com

By: BangkokPost.com
Published: 15/05/2009

Army chief Anupong Paojinda is confident that Thailand can negotiate with Cambodia over its demand for about 75 million baht compensation for damage caused to a market during the violent border clashes last month.

Gen Anupong said he believed the demand originates from the private sector, not from the Cambodian government.

He said the Thai and Cambodian officers commanding troops on the border can work together, and this would allow the issue to be settled.

The Cambodian Foreign Ministry has demanded US$2,150,000 on behalf of 319 Cambodian families it says lost their livelihood when 264 stalls in the border market were completely destroyed.

The clashes on April 3 took place on disputed ground near the ancient Preah Vihear temple. Three Thai soldiers were killed and a Cambodian market next to the temple ruins was burned down when hit by Thai rockets.

Thailand has previously insisted the Cambodian vendors were in Thai territory.